An electric, you'll have to lug around an amp and a cable, at minimum, plus you're restricted to only those areas that have electricity, meaning you can't very well take an electric to the beach, or camping. (They do make little plug in amps, and also small amps powered by batteries, but that's more expense)

With an acoustic...you'll play more, plus it will help build finger strength much faster then an electric.

For acoustics...try to buy one that has a "solid top." it will last a lifetime, or more. If the ad doesn't say "solid top" it doesn't have one, as solid tops are preferable and the tone of the guitar will improve through the years.

Fender makes some great solid top acoustics for about $250, even Guitar Player magazine likes the low end Fenders.

Best of luck, and find a friend who also plays guitar...you'll improve 10 times faster then you will sitting alone in your room practicing.

If you have self control (meaning you wont go crazy with distortion and other effects), neither option is better than the other for learning. If you want cheap and simple, an acoustic will be your best bet. For some suggestions, look at the "Guitars Under $300" sticky.

i think you should always buy whatever youintend to play in the long run - if you want to play electric music then an acoustic will slow you down - the strings are heavier and the action is higher - which is fine for acoustic stuff, but you cant do electric things on it

Best solid top acoustic for the money and nicely playable for a beginner would be a Cort Earth 70 or Earth Grand. You can get cheaper guitars but they will not be anything like the quality. Check out reviews and take a playing friend along to a store if you can.

If you plan on playing electric, then buy an electric guitar. Buying an acoustic will add to expenses as youll have to buy an acoustic, then an electric when you want to. The point about the acoustic being more portable. You're not going to need to play on a beach if your only just starting out. Most places you'll be playin will have electricity, so this point is almost irrelevant.

mainly, if you want to learn on an acoustic, learn on acoustic, if you want to learn on electric, then learn on electric. Id personally suggest electric.